Coseley traveller transit site plans put on hold

Controversial plans to turn playing fields into a transit site for travellers have been deferred.

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Dudley travellers

Campaigners have said tonight's decision by Dudley Council's planning committee was the best possible outcome.

Committee members voted unanimously to defer their decision on the future of the Budden Road playing fields in Coseley despite plans being recommended for approval.

Coseley East ward councillor, Susan Ridney, who has backed campaigners, said: "It is the best outcome we could have hoped for.

"At least the council are going to come and see the site for themselves."

Committee members will now inspect the Budden Road site before the next planning committee meeting.

During a three minute speech at the meeting lead campaigner Tony Sheldon raised the issues of contamination and potential job losses for the Coseley area – including the fact businesses had considered relocating because of the proposed transit site.

Mr Sheldon told the Express & Star the group were 'pleased' following the committee's decision to defer.

He said: "We are quite pleased about it being deferred because of the site visit.

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"The site visit will be good because at least then the councillors can see how close they are to the factory units and residential areas - as well as the traffic problems."

The application would look to see the temporary site, expected to cost the council £280,000, provide 40 caravan pitches for a period of three years.

Original proposals received 141 objections highlighting problems such as the land's reportrd 'unsuitability for use by travellers' and 'loss of public open space'.

A submission of amended plans saw a further 21 objections received by the council.

Campaigners also presented council bosses with a petition baring almost 1,000 signatures objecting the application.